A purposeless beautiful life

Author: Hong Huang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: The unconventional "upper-class rebel" Hong Huang's second collection of essays after My Unusual Life. In the book, she promotes the idea that "the joy of life lies in the process itself, while the purpose is merely a moment of climax at the end of the long process." "Have you ever been purposefully engaged?" Perhaps having witnessed too much investment and reward, too many purpose-driven pursuits, Hong Huang expresses a greater inclination toward a life without purpose. "I am someone who loves to discover and enjoy the 'fun' in life; a person who seeks joy. Seeking joy is both a life attitude and a state of existence." This book is another collection of essays by Hong Huang after My Unusual Life. She promotes the idea that "the joy of life lies in the process itself, while the purpose is merely a moment of climax at the end of the long process." Although it is not a guide on how to live a good life—since a good life has countless forms and countless paths to achieve it—it is a book that is enjoyable to read and write. The book includes 71 of her short essays, divided into five themes: "Life Attitude," "Family Matters," "You Ask, I Answer," "Bridging Worlds," and "They and We." Hong Huang's writing remains as sharp and candid as ever. She starts with the trivialities of daily life, focusing on the details and subtleties. Many topics that can be linked to grand themes like art, ideals, and social responsibility become a flavorful and appetizing "side dish" in her hands, yet they leave a lasting impression. —Excerpt from China Daily